Farmers Markets and Sustainable Food Sourcing
Kaiser Permanente recognizes that locally grown, sustainably farmed food choices are good for people’s health and good for the environment. We also know how important it is to set a good example for health in the workplace and in communities in which we operate.
Our patients not only get the best medical care, they also get fresh, healthy food that helps them get better faster. In partnership with the Community Alliance with Family Farmers, Kaiser Permanente is supporting sustainable agriculture and small-to-mid-sized farmers. Kaiser Permanente is serving more than 100 tons of fresh, locally sourced produce in California for patient meals.
Kaiser Permanente was the first health care system in the United States to offer farmers markets at its hospitals and medical facilities. These markets provide members and surrounding communities with easy access to healthy, locally grown food. Our farmers markets have gained national attention for being a model of good health.
Our Farmers Market Resource Guide contains helpful information about implementing a farmers market in your area. You'll find descriptions of farmers market programs implemented within KP, lessons learned, and information on permitting and liability issues.
A 2010 survey of our farmers market patrons conducted by the Center for Community Health and Evaluation found that found that 74 percent of shoppers at the markets said they eat more fruits and vegetables as a result of shopping at the markets. Among shoppers who are also Kaiser Permanente members, 33 percent indicated they sometimes schedule their medical appointments on market days. These responses indicate that Kaiser Permanente is helping communities make positive behavior changes by creating access to healthy food choices.
Read the latest on our Eating Green initiatives.
Find a Kaiser Permanente farmers market near you.
Learn about the steps that Kaiser Permanente is taking to support sustainable food for health.
